Exit fee increased for tourists, health spending spree in federal budget
Australians and outbound tourists will be charged an $80 exit fee after the Albanian government increased the cost.
The passenger movement fee will be increased by $10 starting Jan. 1 next year as part of the 2026-27 federal budget.
This charge applies to all passengers leaving Australia by air or sea, regardless of whether they are Australian citizens or non-citizens wishing to return.
However, passengers who have already purchased tickets will be able to benefit from the six-month pass arrangement.
The increased fee is expected to net the Albanian government approximately $755 million over five years from 2025-26.
But the Home Office will spend $700,000 in the next fiscal year to make the change.
Revenue from visa application fees is expected to rise significantly in 2026-27, with the government projected to earn $6.18 billion from incoming travelers. Last year, the government was expected to receive only $4.66 billion.
In other budget news, the government will also provide $6 million in funding for a new emergency alert messaging system known as AusAlert, which will be operational from October and provide geographically targeted alert information to first responders and communities during emergencies and disasters.
Energy
A national pilot project to recycle solar panels will continue to receive funding from the federal government. Last year’s budget allocated approximately $25 million to implement the recycling plan and establish up to 100 pilot collection sites across the country to reduce waste in the transition to cleaner energy.
Australia Post, meanwhile, will receive $40.5 million to accelerate the electrification of Australia Post’s delivery fleet of new trucks, vans and postman bikes.
Health
For the first time, the government will provide $431 million to permanently fund the Public Dental Services for Adults agreement, which will provide critical dental services to eligible adult patients, with $107.8 million in annual funding continuing.
Life Education Australia, a not-for-profit organization that delivers programs in schools with its famous mascot Healthy Harold, will receive $1.7 million to develop new training modules on mental health and wellbeing, online safety and respectful relationships.
The Maggie Beer Foundation will receive more than $7 million to improve the quality of food for people in aged care; Another $2 million will go to the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal, chaired by HWT President Penny Fowler, to support preventive health projects and increase access to regional pediatric healthcare.
Additionally, more than $68 million will be awarded over three years to support the elimination of HIV transmission in Australia by 2030. This would include increasing HIV treatments for people who are not eligible for Medicare.
arts and culture
Cultural initiatives are also gaining momentum; $10 million is being allocated to support activities and events for Australia Day celebrations across the country. Local councils and nonprofits will leverage a $4.5 million stream of community events to hold events on Jan. 26; Funding will be provided for organizations in regional and remote areas to organize events when it is not possible to travel to the capital’s celebrations.
The Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra will also receive $3 million to hold commemorations to mark the centenary of the opening of Old Parliament House in 2027.
